walking together on the way of saint james

Category: Lessons Learned

For months now, I’ve been following the Facebook pages and Instagram feeds of pilgrims who are walking various portions of the Camino de Santiago. From them, I’ve gathered information about the weather, about where to stay, about what to expect. I’m grateful for them all. And yet, when I leave tomorrow morning, I won’t be … More Why I Won’t Be Posting Updates From the Camino del Norte

I’ve reached that part of my Camino planning when I’m buying all the things and simultaneously promising that I’ll pack lighter this time. You’d think by now, prepping for my third visit to the Camino, I’d have everything I need. But a new hiking shirt (and matching Buff headband) seemed justified, and, well, those pants … More Camino Shoes: Take 4

I had this whole other blog post planned for this week. (Actually, I had it planned for last week, too…) But a few days ago my Camino friend Roy Howard posted this quote from Mark Nepo on his Instagram page, and every word of it just nailed me: “Like most people I know, I struggle … More The Train That Is Me

“If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.” — Barack Obama When Eric and I set out from Le Puy, Santiago de Compostela seemed impossibly far away. A thousand miles? It was easy to get discouraged and believe I couldn’t do it. But the thing … More Progress (Almost Wordless Wednesday)

It’s Thanksgiving week here in the United States, a time set aside for family and feasting, and hopefully a time to reflect on the gifts we’ve been given. In that spirit, I’ve been thinking about my Camino Gratitudes: the things I now appreciate (or appreciate more) because I have been a pilgrim to Santiago. In … More 7 Camino Gratitudes

Your pilgrimage begins as soon as you walk out your door, says a popular Camino mantra. Historically, that’s true. After all, the original pilgrims to Santiago didn’t have the choice to hop on a plane or train to get to a well-marked and collectively-accepted starting point. They just picked up their belongings and started walking. … More Planes, Trains, and Spain: How to Get to the Camino de Santiago

“Remain humble on this road, or the road will humble you.” – Kevin Codd, To the Field of Stars I’m back! I have a lot to say about my 13-day trip to Spain and the Camino Frances, but let’s start with the elephant in the room: The plan was to walk for 10 days, from … More The Road Will Humble You

Last week Laurel and I sat down to do some Camino planning. Mostly, we talked about the logistics: our packing lists, how we’re going to get to Pamplona, how far we wanted to walk on the first day, stuff like that. But we also ended up talking a lot about our Camino fears. We’re a … More Camino Fears